To provide a new source of manpower for Pennsylvania mental health facilities, a pilot associate degree program for the training of middle-level mental health workers was instituted at the Community College of Philadelphia. Specific objectives were: (1) to test the program's feasibility, (2) to identify skills and attributes required of an effective mental health worker, (3) to evaluate and revise curriculum, (4) to evaluate program graduates, and (5) to provide career opportunities for low-income urban residents. A curriculum was designed which would also provide career opportunities for previously employed aides and assistants and permit graduates to continue beyond the associate degree level. Included were general education courses, behavioral science courses, specialized mental health courses, and a practicum in mental health work. Evaluation of the program indicates that the objectives were attained, and graduates were quite successful in further education and employment. (BH)